Antonio Munoz Jr.

Antonio “Tony” Munoz, Jr. was a great son, brother, husband, father, and grandfather. He is preceded in death by his parents Antonio U. Munoz (father) and Teresa Flores Munoz (mother). Tony is survived by his loving wife, Hilda Munoz, Daughter- Julisa Marie Baker (Larry), Sons- Michael Anthony Munoz (Joyce) and Anthony Robert Munoz, Sister- Sylvia Disler (John), and brother Roberto Munoz (Lynn). Tony also had six wonderful grandchildren- Annalyse Marie, Jonathan Andrew, Bradley Thomas, Ethan Thomas, Mikaela JoAnne, and Jayce Michael.

Tony was born in Fairbanks, AK on March 15, 1962. Being a military family, they were relocated back to San Antonio, TX, where Tony would spend his childhood and young adult years growing up. During these years, Tony would love to play and write music as a guitarist, bassist, and vocalist. Tony was extremely passionate about military aviation, military history, and building aircraft models.

Tony graduated from John Jay High School, in May of 1980. After graduating high school, Tony enlisted into the U.S. Air Force where he would begin his 28-year military career. Tony was always a “go-getter” and one who truly believed nothing was out-of-reach. By the age of 32, Tony had climbed the enlisted ranks to achieve the rank of Senior Master Sergeant. Being this young, Tony was facing the enlistment cap of Chief Master Sergeant and realized he wanted more. He then applied and was accepted into Officer Training School, where he would complete the crossover and retire at the commissioned officer rank of Major, in 2008. During these 28 years, Tony was in aircraft maintenance and retired as a Tactical Aircraft Maintenance and Logistics Officer. His military career was one to be proud of. Tony was awarded numerous medals for military accomplishments; to include Meritorious Service, Accommodation, and Achievement medals during both peacetime and war.

Tony not only had an amazing military career; he was also very educated as well. Tony received a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Wayland Baptist University and earned two master degrees in business from the University of Phoenix. Business management would become his post-military career focus. During this time, Tony was a dedicated advocate for military assistance and support.

With this amazing military career and education, this all wouldn’t have been achievable without an awesome woman by his side. Tony met, what would become his one and only wife and love of his life- Hilda, at a church dance and this was truly the definition of “love-at-first-sight”. Hilda and Tony were married on April 24, 1980 in San Antonio, TX. The two eventually had three wonderful kids and would spend their growing years, traveling the world with their parents. Tony and Hilda would eventually move to Las Vegas, NV, after being stationed at Nellis A.F.B, following his assignment at Langley A.F.B. Virginia.

Tony and Hilda would eventually retire from the Air Force at Nellis A.F.B. and spend the next sixteen years enjoying their beautiful life together. Tony was a huge fan of military and aviation history, business consulting, and building one of the most unique collection of military arms, action figures, vehicles, and accessories. He was also one who loved to fish, shoot, and BBQ. Throughout his years, Tony also earned the nicknames of Monkey, Papa, Egg, Tony Boy, and his military call-name of Moon Dog.

Tony was always described as charismatic with a truly unique character. He had a heart of gold and was always willing to provide for his family and unselfishly give to others. He was one to instantly leave a lasting impression on every life he met. Tony was a man of God. He had spent his growing years as a follower of the catholic faith, but set out on a path to find his true calling. He had experience with multiple religious practices. During this searching period, he would eventually find the Christian faith, where he would spend the rest of his time, enjoying this freedom of life.

Tony was a great father, and grandfather, who’s children adored and looked to him as a person of inspiration. He would also instruct his children to trust in God and assure the power and reach of Jesus Christ would rest upon the kids today and every day. His children, and grandchildren, have fond memories of traveling with dad, playing and recording music with his sons and grandkids, and were especially grateful to watch Tony’s face light-up every time he saw his grandkids. Tony was very encouraging and had an awesome sense of humor, which was contagious to all around him.

Tony passed away on November 5, 2021 and will truly be missed. His memories will be greatly cherished. Tony’s memories, and spirit, will forever be in his family’s heart.